Pasta Sauce Explained

By Ferdinand Emy

For those planning on making pasta sauce constantly, there are also some spices that you should keep in hand.

Chicken, pork, beef and various sausages are commonly used. With choices of white, red and rose sauces, there is a little bit of variety for everyone. If you plan on making pasta sauce frequently, there are several different ingredients that you will want to keep on hand. As you first learn how to make sauce, you should use the spices sparingly so that you can learn their flavors. As many of the sauces are very simple to make, cooks of any skill level can cook with little risk of ruining the pasta sauce.

Preparing all of your ingredients in advance will let you take your time and combine the ingredients properly. This can solve many of the problems inexperienced chefs encounter when learning new recipes. Seafood is sometimes used in moderation as well. Because jars are used while still warm, your pasta sauce should be a similar temperature to the jars so that it does not shatter. What spices you select can greatly alter the flavor of your pasta sauce.

Knowing how the flavors of different spices blend with one another can help you prepare your own one of a kind recipes. Many sauces, including white sauce, can be frozen, which allow you make larges batches of sauce that can last you for several months. Tomato paste and canned tomato sauce can allow you to make a red pasta sauce on the fly, while milk, butter, flour and water for white sauce tends to be kept in most homes. There are many different types of pasta sauce that you can make at home which you can use to impress guests while also being healthy. For example, most red sauces will use pork, beef and sausage, while white sauces trend towards chicken and pork.

Once boiled, the jars should be used while they are still warm. The addition of meat or vegetables to pasta sauce is a common practice among many people, turning the dish into a full meal. Jars should be cooled to room temperature before being placed in any freezer, and room should be allowed within for the expansion of liquids. Depending on whether or not you plan on making your sauce completely from scratch, you may not be able to store some of the ingredients in your cupboard.

Before you begin cooking your own pasta sauce, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. When you can, make certain that you sterilize your jars by boiling them for at least ten minutes prior to use. Once you have prepared your pasta sauce, you can choose to use it immediately or can and freeze it. These include basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, garlic, onion, red pepper and marjoram. First and foremost, prepare your ingredients before you begin cooking.

You will want to select your meats based off of the type of sauce you're making. Depending on the type of pasta sauce that you make, timing may be extremely important.

About the Author:

If you liked this article, you may want to learn how to prepare Gourmet Sauces at home

Poppy Seeds and the Good It Brings

By Amanda Rush

Most probably, you are interested in poppy seeds, hence you clicked on this page. Or maybe, you are too fond of pastries that you want to know the seeds that are baked in or sprinkled in them. Whatever is your case, this article will let you know about the facts of poppy seeds which are widely used as ingredients in our favourite pastries.

Although pastries are sold in large quantities everyday, many people rarely take time to find out the facts about the poppy seeds sprinkled in these pastries. Only food enthusiasts and people who work as chefs or cook know the important information related to poppy seeds. If you want to be one of the few who know the facts, read on and find out.

Asias general climate provide for the most suitable temperature for the poppy seeds to grow. The seeds are actually taken from the head of poppy plants and are like nuts when tasted.

Although mainly used as food ingredient today, during the ancient times poppy seeds were popularly used as medicines. In Greece, they were introduced by Hippocrates as a remedy for insomnia. Today, health experts have found out the other medicinal benefits of poppy seeds. It is found out that poppy seeds are effective cure for coughs, earaches, toothaches, inflammation, fever, dysentery and the list goes on. For these, papaver are cultivated in many parts of the world.

Most of the time, poppy seeds are used in baking. They are used as condiments or baked in or sprinkled on our favourite pastries. They are in-demand for cooking rolls, breads and cakes. Aside from their savory tastes, poppy seeds are also recommended by nutritionists because of the nutrients they contain. Based on studies, poppy seeds contain linoeic acid, oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids. In addition to nutritional value, poppy seeds extracted oil can be used in cooking and soap making.

Poppy seeds are not only appealing to food lovers and the health conscious but to those who sound superstitious also. It is believed that poppy seeds are a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The seeds are used in rituals, as amulets against bad luck and as charms to attract love, money and luck. In the ancient and present times, red poppy seeds are a symbol of fallen warriors.

Poppy seeds may bring a lot of advantages, but they can also be dangerous when taken without knowing its negative effects. Aside from nutrients, poppy seeds contain alkaloids such as morphine and codeine which are addictive. According to health experts, poppy seeds can be eaten when ripe because at that stage alkaloids are only minimal and hardly detrimental to the body. Unripe seeds contain a lot of alkaloids, hence can pose danger to physical and mental health.

Getting acquainted with all this information is significant as poppy seeds are loaded with opposing benefits that can destroy or improve our health.

About the Author:

Find lots of uses for poppies through cooking or decorating.

The Benefits Of Waffle Makers

By Frank M. Wong

There is hardly anyone who doesn't enjoy the aroma and taste of a freshly made waffle. It is the perfect weekend morning treat. They are light, fluffy, and utterly delicious. If you do own one of the fabulous waffle makers on the market then you know what I mean, and if you don't then you may want to get one.

Choosing the best waffle maker to meet your family's needs is important. You will need to choose among a large variety of waffle makers. If you know the elementary functions of these small appliances you will find it easier to pick one.

Common types of waffle makers

All waffle makers have the ability of producing scrumptious batter made cakes, but they are not all exactly the same. There are many different ones that make several different kinds of waffles, and there are a wide array of shapes and sizes as well.

Belgian waffle makers: These waffle makers are designed to with deeper wells in order to produce a thicker Belgian type waffle. These makers generally produce 4 square waffles at one time. The pockets are non-stick and easy to fill. This is a particularly popular maker for true waffle lovers.

Belgian flips: This maker will produce restaurant quality waffles in your home kitchen. It is situated on a stand that enables easy flipping. The waffle quality that this machine produces is will make purchasing this maker worth your while.

Standard: These are the regular waffles that you are most familiar with. They usually make one at a time and are very quick to use. If you live on your own then you may want one of these.

Pizzelle cookie maker: Make delicious pizzelles cookies with this machine. You can eat them alone and serve them with tea or ice cream.

Stove top: Very similar to the standard quick makers, but they have to be heated and flipped on the stove. These makers will require a bit more attention than the ones that sit on the counter, but the quality of waffles that they produce is just as delicious.

Waffle cone maker: Who doesn't love a fresh waffle cone filled with ice cream? With this maker you will be able to produce your own cones right at home.

Waffle makers are wonderful no matter the kind. You can rest assured knowing whichever one you choose the results will be delicious.

About the Author:

For the best waffle makers including quality Belgian waffle makers take a look at the author's web pages.

Poppy Seeds and Its Benefits

By Amanda Rush

Most probably, you are interested in poppy seeds, hence you clicked on this page. Or maybe, you are too fond of pastries that you want to know the seeds that are baked in or sprinkled in them. Whatever is your case, this article will let you know about the facts of poppy seeds which are widely used as ingredients in our favourite pastries.

Although pastries are sold in large quantities everyday, many people rarely take time to find out the facts about the poppy seeds sprinkled in these pastries. Only food enthusiasts and people who work as chefs or cook know the important information related to poppy seeds. If you want to be one of the few who know the facts, read on and find out.

Poppy plants are mostly found in Asian regions where the general climate provides for the best temperature for the plants to grow. Poppy seeds, which are found at the head of poppy plants, are small dried seeds that taste like nuts.

Although mainly used as food ingredient today, during the ancient times poppy seeds were popularly used as medicines. In Greece, they were introduced by Hippocrates as a remedy for insomnia. Today, health experts have found out the other medicinal benefits of poppy seeds. It is found out that poppy seeds are effective cure for coughs, earaches, toothaches, inflammation, fever, dysentery and the list goes on. For these, poppies are cultivated in many parts of the world.

Most of the time, poppy seeds are used in baking. They are used as condiments or baked in or sprinkled on our favourite pastries. They are in-demand for cooking rolls, breads and cakes. Aside from their savory tastes, poppy seeds are also recommended by nutritionists because of the nutrients they contain. Based on studies, poppy seeds contain linoeic acid, oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids. In addition to nutritional value, poppy seeds extracted oil can be used in cooking and soap making.

Apart from its health benefits, poppy seeds are perceived to be a symbol of fertility and prosperity. They are used in rituals and as amulets to fight off bad luck and to attract love, money, and luck. Red poppy seeds are also a symbol for fallen warriors.

Poppy seeds may bring a lot of advantages, but they can also be dangerous when taken without knowing its negative effects. Aside from nutrients, poppy seeds contain alkaloids such as morphine and codeine which are addictive. According to health experts, poppy seeds can be eaten when ripe because at that stage alkaloids are only minimal and hardly detrimental to the body. Unripe seeds contain a lot of alkaloids, hence can pose danger to physical and mental health.

Getting all these facts about poppy seeds is definitely beneficial to be able to get the best out of the seeds and get rid of the threats they can pose to our mental and physical health.

About the Author:

You can have a sumptuous healthy meal from this great ingredient anytime you want. You have easy access to a great cooking ingredient, the poppies.

Beginners Guide To LED Kitchen Lighting

By Abigail Monot

Great kitchen lighting design typically utilises a large amount of lighting (which means more than just installing a few extra ceiling roses). Kitchen lighting needs a variety of types of lighting for different areas and purposes. The absolutely worst way to illuminate a kitchen is using bright fluorescent ceiling strip lights. They're certainly very bright - but also flat, cold and guaranteed to give you a headache into the bargain.

The most obvious issue with having central ceiling-rose fittings in a kitchen is that they produce dark spots, most noticeably where you cast your own shadow onto work surfaces. A solution seen in many kitchens involves fitting halogen down lamps in a uniform pattern across the ceiling then adding task-specific lighting for workareas, hobs and so on.

This does indeed work quite well, but brings its own set of problem: halogen lamps run at very high temperatures; they don't last well; and they are pretty much the most expensive possible way to light a kitchen. Over ninety percent of the cost of incandescent lighting in general (and halogen lamps in particular) is the electricity they consume.

This in large part explains the rise in popularity of ultra low energy, cool running, LED kitchen lighting. For mains voltage lighting, all that is required is to replace existing GU10 spotlights in-situ with GU10 LEDs. For low voltage systems, replace existing 12v transformers with one (or more, depending on the number of lights involved) constant voltage 12v LED driver and then change over to LED light bulbs.

The three main aspects to consider when installing LED spotlights are: luminosity (brightness); colour temperature (how cool/blue or warm/yellow); and beam angle. Try to match these as close as possible to the characteristics of the halogen lamps you might otherwise have considered using.

We are used to measuring brightness in terms of wattage, but an LED light bulb will have a wattage rating at least ten percent that of it's equivalent incandescent or halogen bulb. Therefore, when replacing a 35w halogen lamp use an LED of 3w or above, and likewise replace a 50w with a 5w LED, etc.

Color temperature describes how cool or warm a light appears. LED lights are available in a variety of white color temperatures (and also, colors) but since it has always been easier to manufacture blue LEDs, many cheap LEDs tend to have a cold/bluish tinge. Go for warm white (color temperatures below 3500K) for a reasonable approximation to the kind of white light normally associated with halogen lamps.

A narrow beam angle, say 45 degrees, makes any light appear tighter and more contained to a defined spot, whereas a much wider 120 degrees spreads the light out evenly, eliminating glare and "hot-spots". Quite possibly the best LED spot light currently available that acts as a straightforward halogen replacement is the Sharp Zenigata.

Determining how artificial light appears to the eye often owes less to the light itself than to the surface it is aimed at. A warm feeling is easily obtained by pointing spot lighting at areas that are themselves warmly colored, such as terracotta tiling, any type of wood or even just a warmly painted wall. By contrast, a dramatic effect can be had by simply throwing blue LED light against dark or hard surfaces - blue or green tiles, granite, enamel and steel all lend themselves to this treatment.

Mixing a variety of lights that offer different characteristics with a range of textures and colors makes it possible to obtain an extensive palette of effects for the various zones in your kitchen. LED strip lighting systems in particular offer all manner of options for accenting plinths, coving, worktops and pretty much anything else you could imagine. But at the end of the day though, once you're done playing with all the new ideas on offer, try and settle on just a few designs that really appeal - it's quite surprising how impressive even a bit of LED kitchen lighting appears.

About the Author:

Abigail Monot personally recommends these additional articles relating specifically to kitchen lighting design and home LED lighting in general.

Flash Cooking Games - Free Fun for Girls

By Vlad Stivenson

Cooking games are here. Let's play!

Cooking games are becoming the latest trend for girls. And there are several reasons for this. One of the reasons for this is that theyre free. Yes, thats right, theyre free. There are no CDs to buy and install, no content to download, and no monthly fees, like is the case of some computer games out there. And if your child gets bored with it, she can just go and look for a different game. This saves money for those parents that spend their hard earned money on some game that the child lost interest after a bit. In addition, these games are safe. As a parent, would you rather have your child a few meters from you or out on the street doing god knows what? They also lack any offensive content or content that might not be suitable for your child, like violence. Finally, these games can actually be educational. They let your child prepare recipes and dishes, albeit virtual ones. However, at least they will understand that mommy takes a lot of trouble to prepare real meals and that theyre not instantaneous.

Of course, thats not the only think they can learn. Cooking is a field that has many interesting aspects, and they can intuitively adopt and learn one of them, for example, there are games that let them prepare foreign dishes. These games let your child prepare some Mexican enchiladas, or maybe Japanese sushi and even French casseroles. In addition, if theres an ingredient that your girl refuses to eat, you can get her interested in it by selecting games that include that ingredient a lot. You will be surprised how easy it will be to get her to try it on real life after you make it fun for her. These games will also let your child learn about nutrients and food groups. This might even come handy if they have to do some homework about it (just pay attention that the game is realistic, as some games exaggerate situations a little in order to make them funny). And of course, you can always prepare the real dish right after preparing it virtually on the computer. When your child finishes an easy recipe, you can tell her something like mmmmm, that looks delicious, hey, what do you say we prepare a real one that we can actually eat? If you get your child to learn cooking, it will be a skill that will be useful for all her life.

While it's true that some of these cooking games come in a foreign language, they are very intuitive that this will not be a problem at all. After all, children from all the world have been enjoying video cooking games from the USA and Japan, even if they don't speak English or Japanese.

Finally, there isnt a reason why only your child can enjoy these games. I suggest you try one after work. These games can be as challenging or as relaxing as you want, giving you something to clear your mind after a hard day.

About the Author:

Vlad Stivenson, author of girls games

The Marvels Of Mediterranean Seasoning

By Ferdinand Emy

Like in all other type of cooking in the cuisine of the Mediterranean, people actually employ Mediterranean seasoning. Evidently, the food of the areas surrounding the Mediterranean sea is the Mediterranean cuisine. The fact is that the Mediterranean cuisine contains foods from varied cultures. Given the geography of the Mediterranean, these nation-states have influenced each other in time and the cooking process evolved into sharing common principles. Mediterranean cuisine is characterised by flexibility, a wide range of ingredients and numerous regional variations. The area inclined to favor goats and sheep rearing.

Although currently much of the fish is shipped from the outside since the fisheries of the Mediterranean sea are no longer what they used to be, fish dishes are still very common. In numerous of the standard Mediterranean dish recipes, seafood is still prevalent. It is quite evident that certain types of meats and fruit or vegetables, as it is the case with Mediterranean cuisine, demand for specific/typical seasoning, in this case, Mediterranean seasoning. Pita bread, barbecue or grilled meats, falafel and hummus are among the Mediterranean foods which commonly demand a special seasonings which are found in the area around Mediterranean seasoning obviously.

Talking of Mediterranean seasoning you must know that olive oil, though not necessarily a condiment, is created in the Mediterranean countries " Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain, as well as others. An essential ingredient in Mediterranean seasoning is represented by garlic, which is used a lot throughout Mediterranean cuisine. Both the olive oil and the garlic utilized in Mediterranean seasoning and cuisine in general, add to the distinctive taste of food. Besides, it is unanimously believed that the ingredients in this kind of cooking and in Mediterranean seasoning, and we have in mind especially the olive oil, are a major contributor to the longevity and good health state of the Mediterranean people.

In case you are interested in making Mediterranean dishes you will certainly need Mediterranean seasoning for them, or you will not get real Mediterranean food. You may easily buy various commodities which are labeled Mediterranean seasoning from stores around the country, all the same, my suggestion is for you to try to prepare your own Mediterranean seasoning because it is not hard at all.

You only need the right ingredients and a true Mediterranean seasoning recipe in order to achieve a good Mediterranean seasoning. I call this combo Mediterranean seasoning. It doesn't matter how much you use " just combine the ingredients in the following proportions in a bowl, whisk, and pour into a shaker. Put it in a container and place it in the fridge and there it is when you want to use it for a quick dusting on grilled meat, or for a marinade: 1 part coriander, 1 part cinammon, 1 part cumin, one part dried mint, and 1 part Italian seasoning or oregano; Besides, add 1 part onion powder and 1 part garlic powder.

About the Author:

Learn more about Cooking With Mediterranean Seasonings

Egg Production and Distribution

By Amy Nutt

Birds and eggs have existed since before Man and the first recorded history of domesticated wild fowl were found in East Indian history as early as 3200 BC. Records show domesticated hens throughout history but it has been believed that Columbus, on his second trip to the Americas in 1493, brought with him the ancestors of the chickens we see today. There are close to 200 breeds and varieties of chickens worldwide, but the most common laying hen is the Single Comb White Leghorn.

Over the centuries, the processes used for egg production and distribution have changed and improved drastically. The process is broken down into seven basic steps, with some of the steps containing more detailed work within them:

Laying: The hens need to have well balanced and nutritious meals in order to be good egg producers. Their diet plan is researched on a constant basis to ensure the best diet is given as much as possible. They have free access to fresh water and the food is distributed by computer controlled feeders. The more modern hen houses are computer controlled with the temperature, humidity, and ventilation systems all run by means of these computers. The lighting too is on a timed system since light seems to be what triggers the hens to lay the eggs. The highest and most common egg laying happens between 7 and 11 am. The cages are raised off the floor so that waste can drop out of the cage and to keep air flow open to the floor of the cage which prevents sores from forming on the hens feet or bodies, as well as keeping various diseases at bay.

Collecting: In most instances, collection is performed by the eggs automatically dropping onto a conveyor belt, below the hens cages. They travel along this belt to the washing station.

Washing: The eggs need to be cleaned and sanitized by washing them with a special cleaning solution and water that is more than 100 F or 38 C. Once washed, they are then rotated past 16 individual cameras, which inspect them for any remaining dirt spots. If spots are found, the egg returns back to the beginning of the process to be re-washed. Once the washing has been completed, the eggs are sent to be graded according to size, and weight.

Packing: Machines automatically place the eggs in separate sections; lining them up in accordance to the grade they have been given. To lessen the chance of breakage during shipping, the eggs are placed in foam or fiber cartons. The cartons are labeled appropriately and a "best before" date is printed on the carton as a guide for the consumer. Each carton is then packed into boxes for later shipping.

Cooling: The boxes of eggs are then placed in a climate controlled warehouse for storage until they are shipped out. The eggs are stored at 45 F or 7 C to maintain the egg quality. When they are ready for shipping, the boxes are loaded into refrigeration trucks to keep the temperature at the same level. Once shipped and in the stores, the grocer also maintains the temperature of the cartons by keeping them in a refrigerated unit until they are sold.

In Canada, there are approximately 1050 egg producers in operation, all following these procedures. In comparison, there are about 280 million producers in the United States and just one of them can produce as many eggs as all those found in Canada.

Eggs were once seen as a springtime food because of many of the older Easter traditions, but now they have become more versatile and a mainstay of most meal plans.

About the Author:

Getting bored of the same old cereal for breakfast? Egg Farmers of Ontario has lots of easy recipes that will liven up your breakfasts and start your day off right!

You Should Consider Cooking With Teriyaki Sauce

By Ferdinand Emy

Teriyaki sauce is a conventional Japanese sauce that has picked up tremendous popularity in Western cultures. It is a sweet sauce, utilized as either a garnish or a marinade for meats, vegetables and rice. Having a flexibleness that makes it suitable as an add-on to many cuisines, it can as well be used as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

Mirin Sake Cornstarch Brown sugar Garlic Soy sauce Ginger

Readying Time: 5 to 10 minutes

All ingredient should be washed and rinsed, then ground or chopped before mixture. Because they will be cooked with the vegetables or meat, numerous teriyaki sauces are not cooked. Various ingredients will be used based on if it's a modern or traditional teriyaki sauce.

Use:

A sort of cooking process in Japan, teriyaki sauce is traditionally applied as marinade, with the sauce being the sweet marmalade that the vegetables or the meat are coated in. Oftentimes, teriyaki techniques are set aside for white meats such as chicken and fish, and as for fish, yskipjack tuna, salmon, yellowtail, marlin, trout and mackerel are mainly applied.

In Western cultures, teriyaki sauce tends to be a reference to a similar style of sauce applied in the teriyaki method of cooking. As the cooking of the food isn't typically done in the same method, these sauces do not tend to be original teriyaki. Rather as a marinade, in this case teriyaki is typically utilized as an accompaniment and in stir fry .

When grilling, it is suggested that your meats or vegetables sit in the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes before preparation. Because it permits the meat to absorb the flavor of the teriyaki sauce, it is not common for recipes to call for a marrinade of twenty-four hours. Generally, the stronger the teriyaki flavor, the longer it will be allowed to marinade. You will desire to utilize a bit lesser process of marinading so that the taste of the fish is as fresh as feasible.

The grilling of the teriyaki can be carried out in numerous surface types, which include, coal and wood burning grills, gasp and electric.

History:

Along with yakitori and sukiyaki, teriyaki was used for the first time in Japan in the seventh century. Improved alongside each other, these three cooking methods are closely interconnected. 'Yaki', the base word in all three types, simply means grilled. Often, yaki dishes will include very similar ingredients with differences in how the meat or vegetables are grilled.

About the Author:

Some folks think that cooking a highly delicious meal is the exclusive reserve of the gourmet, but in contrast, you too can prepare a wonderful meal, head over and find out more about Cooking With Teriyaki Seasoning

Kyocera Ceramic Knife - 3 Reasons Why It Is The Perfect Gift

By Tony Worrell

It is once again fashionable to cook. Our television screens are full of cookery programs, and we are being encourged to return to the kitchen and to start eating more healthily.

If you are looking to save money - cooking is a good way to start, pre-prepared foods are often much more expensive than the food you would cook yourself and they are also less filling.

So if you are looking for the perfect gift for a budding chef - what should you choose? Here I have detailed three reasons why the Kyocera ceramic knife would be a successful present.

Qualities Of The Kyocera Ceramic Knife

1. Kyocera ceramic knives, unlike the more usual stainless steel or carbon steel knives, do not rust. It is made from a material which is easy to clean and is non corrosive.

The material which the ceramic knife is made from is stable, non-corrosive, does not stain, is impervious to heat and best of all - it is easy to clean.

The Knife's Sharpness

2. The Kyocera ceramic knife is very sharp when bought and this will not blunt or need sharpening for a couple of years.

The ceramic knife is lighter than steel, and much harder, so it is also good for learning and developing knife skills.

The Ceramic Knife's Antibacterial Qualities

3. Hygiene is important in all kitchen, so it is nice to know that a ceramic knife is naturally anti bacterial, so safe in even the busiest of kitchens. The anti bacterial nature of this knife, combined with its superior sharpness means that it is suitable for all food types. Many of the top chefs around the world use ceramic knives and once a budding chef tries one they will realise why.

The Kyocera ceramic knife is a perfect present for anyone who loves food and to cook. It is wonderful to give a present which will be used and appreciated over and over again.

Whatever your signature dish, there will be a perfect ceramic knife to suit your style and favorite foods.

About the Author:

If you want to view a wide selection of Kyocera ceramic knives visit http://fusangroup.com

An Introduction To LED Kitchen Lighting

By Abigail Monot

Great kitchen lighting design typically utilises a large amount of lighting (which means more than just installing a few extra ceiling roses). Kitchen lighting needs a variety of types of lighting for different areas and purposes. The absolutely worst way to illuminate a kitchen is using bright fluorescent ceiling strip lights. They're certainly very bright - but also flat, cold and guaranteed to give you a headache into the bargain.

Clearly, a major problem with central ceiling roses in a kitchen is that they create dark spots and you are always casting your own shadow onto worktops. A popular solution is to fit a number of halogen down lights in a pattern in the ceiling to produce uniform general light and install extra lighting specifically for worktops and hobs etc.

This certainly does the job fairly well, but is not without its own list of issues: halogen lights run at a very high temperature; they have a short lifespan; and they are without question the most costly solution as regards running kitchen lighting. A staggering ninety percent of the cost of halogen based lighting (and indeed, incandescent lighting in general) is the electricity they quite literally burn.

This in large part explains the rise in popularity of ultra low energy, cool running, LED kitchen lighting. For mains voltage lighting, all that is required is to replace existing GU10 spotlights in-situ with GU10 LEDs. For low voltage systems, replace existing 12v transformers with one (or more, depending on the number of lights involved) constant voltage 12v LED driver and then change over to LED light bulbs.

When installing LED spotlights there are 3 main areas to bear in mind, these being: brightness (or luminosity); colour temperature (whether the light appears cool and blue or warm and yellow); and beam angle (tightly focused or widely dispersed). It's a good idea to get as close as possible on these three areas to the qualities of the halogen lamps you're replacing.

We are used to measuring brightness in terms of wattage, but an LED light bulb will have a wattage rating at least ten percent that of it's equivalent incandescent or halogen bulb. Therefore, when replacing a 35w halogen lamp use an LED of 3w or above, and likewise replace a 50w with a 5w LED, etc.

Color temperature describes how cool or warm a light appears. LED lights are available in a variety of white color temperatures (and also, colors) but since it has always been easier to manufacture blue LEDs, many cheap LEDs tend to have a cold/bluish tinge. Go for warm white (color temperatures below 3500K) for a reasonable approximation to the kind of white light normally associated with halogen lamps.

A narrow beam angle, say 45 degrees, makes any light appear tighter and more contained to a defined spot, whereas a much wider 120 degrees spreads the light out evenly, eliminating glare and "hot-spots". Quite possibly the best LED spot light currently available that acts as a straightforward halogen replacement is the Sharp Zenigata.

A critical component that determines how artificial light actually appears is not the light itself but the surface on which it is shining. To create a warm feel simply direct spot lights at warmly coloured areas (clay tiles, wood or just a wall painted in warm colours). If a dramatic effect is what you're after, try shining blue LEDs at either dark or reflective surfaces - blue LED light bounced off granite or steel can appear stunning.

Use lights with differing characteristics against different textures and colors to obtain different effects in specific zones in the kitchen. There are so many options, especially with LED strip lighting systems for accenting plinths, coving, worktops and just about anything else you could think of. The best advice though is stick with just one or two ideas - you'll be surprised how stunning even a modicum of LED kitchen lighting looks.

About the Author:

Abigail Monot personally recommends these additional articles relating specifically to kitchen lighting design and LED home lighting in general.

Improve Your Grilling Skills With These Grilling Tips

By Ferdinand Emy

Always check the internal temperature of food to be sure it is done. Of all the grilling tips, this is one that can assure your food is safe to eat. There are two primary types of grilling methods; They are indirect grilling and direct grilling. When the juices are released, the food tends to dry out rather quickly from the heat of the grill. Many people depend upon the outer appearance of food to determine whether it is done or not but this is really not a reliable method and can result in food borne illness.

Following the right grilling tips also means making sure you know how to properly handle the food. Many people make the same mistake of handling the food too much while grilling it. A meat fork will pierce the skin of the meat and release juices while tongs help the food to retain moisture. Following these grilling tips can help you to produce perfectly and deliciously grilled food every time.

Indirect grilling involves cooking the food away from the heat while direct grilling involves cooking food directly on the fire. One of the most important grilling tips that should be followed, no matter what type of grill or grilling method you are using, is to make sure that you use a meat thermometer in order to test the interior temperature of the food that you are grilling. Also, one of the most important grilling tips you can follow is to make sure that you use tongs instead of a meat fork when grilling. Instead, avoid 'playing' with the food and allow it to cook evenly. Indirect grilling is best for foods that can be cooked in less than 30 minutes while direct grilling is better for foods that can be cooked in more than 30 minutes.

Other grilling tips include using the right grilling method. Grilling is a favorite pastime and it is a wonderful way to enjoy time outside with family and friends as well as prepare a meal that is second to none. Are you looking forward to putting some meat on the grill and enjoying a wonderfully grilled meal? If so, you are not alone.

There are some grilling tips that you can follow which will assist you to achieve delicious food time after time. This can result in cold spots in the food and can increase the chances of uneven cooking and food borne illness.

About the Author:

Before you set out barbecuing with your friends and family members, make sure you are well equipped with these Summer Holiday Grilling Tips

Pasta Helps You Get Dinner on the Table in No Time

By Kim Allarie

Pasta is one of your finest choices for a fast and easy meal. The pasta simply has to be placed in boiling water and can be ready in under 15 minutes. And while the pasta is boiling you can prepare your preferred sauce. Whether you go with a tomato based sauce, pesto or a creamy topping, you can be finished in no time. Here are several tips for a quick and uncomplicated pasta dish.

Avoid adding the pasta to the water before it arrives at a complete boil. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming soft and gluey. As well, keep the water at a boil continuously. You can help the pasta remain less mushy if you put in some salt to the water. Note that you should not cover up the pan after you add the pasta. You need to test every now and then to establish if the noodles are cooked. Pasta cooks pretty quickly and leaving it too long can give rise to mushy noodles. When the pasta is ready, take it out of the water as soon as possible. It is going to continue to cook if you leave it there.

And now, half of your preparation is complete. The other half is making the sauce. The great thing about pasta is that there are limitless choices for dressing it up. If you're a pasta fan then having a few kinds of toppings sitting in your refrigerator is the perfect way to go.

Pesto makes a quick and easy topping. Add a bit of mushrooms, garlic or perhaps a little Italian sausage, top it off with some shredded parmesan, and you have a tasty meal in no time. Sun-dried tomatoes, either canned or bottled, also work with pasta and let you experience tomato based pasta without the usual topping. Top with shredded parmesan and accompany it with some fresh bread for a filling meal. If you are in the mood for a cream-based sauce, just mix some cream, oregano and sliced black olives. Top it with a bit of shredded parmesan cheese. It's a straightforward sauce but very flavorful.

Olive oil is also perfect with pasta and can be fairly easy to make use of too. Try combining olive oil with some sliced sausage or canned seafood. You can add some basil for flavor and don't overlook the grated parmesan. If you want to experiment, try adding some highly spiced meat such as pepperoni.

With pasta, you'll have a meal served in a flash. In a span of 15 to 20 minutes you can cook a filling dinner of noodles covered with a selection of flavorful sauces. With all the possible alternatives, it's a fast and easy cooking meal that you won't ever become bored with.

About the Author:

Looking for tips on healthy cooking, home cooking, or gourmet cooking? Visit the Cooking Site for articles and advice to improve your culinary skills.

Shopping For A Bread Making Machine With Nice Features

By Chris Channing

Creating the dough and baking it for making your own bread-based recipes can be a fun hobby that results in a tasty after product. Bread makers vary in how they accomplish the task and what features they support. Features obtained primarily based on how much is paid and where the maker is obtained.

Not all bread makers will bake the bread for you. Some bread makers only seek to act as a tool to create the right consistency in dough, to make it ready for baking at a later date. Models that allow for baking are more handy for home users who want an all in one solution. The extra money is justified with the lack of effort needed to bake the bread.

Creating banana nut bread requires that you are able to add the banana flavoring and nuts. The flavoring is easy enough to add to the dough, but some bread makers may not allow you add other ingredients in during the process. Bread makers that do will allow a timer to go off just as soon as you need to add the extra ingredients to finish the perfect recipe.

The capacity of the bread maker is also something to consider. Some of the larger models will bake 2 pounds of bread or more, while smaller models will only do a loaf or less. The moderate sized bread bakers are the best buy for home users, who appreciate the large capacity they offer and the lower price that they demand.

Not all bread recipes will be baked for the same amount of time. Today bread makers are easily programmed with LCD screens to conform to different baking times. Make sure that the model you are looking at has such technology, so that you can create the right environment for your bread to rise correctly. The technology costs more, but it also allows you more flexibility in what you can make and how soon.

Lastly, take into consideration the power consumption of the bread maker. Electricity costs are always on the rise, and bread makers that run for up to twelve hours or more in a single baking cycle can drain electricity. Energy bills can be reduced by going for a model with a lower wattage rating, but in some cases this will not be an option for models with more design features.

Closing Comments

Baking the perfect loaf of bread is so easy today with the help of technology. You can find your next bread maker online by searching the big retailers. Compare and contrast the prices and service offerings of each retailer so you get the best price for your bread making machine.

About the Author:

Learn more on Bread Maker Reviews and Bread Makers.

How To Cook With Oranges

By Geoffrey Tyler

Oranges are one of the most well known fruits in the citrus family. In fact, this fruit has been considered to be valuable for over 4,000 years. The very first oranges arrived in Spain, Persia, Africa, Egypt and Asia through the ancient Arab trade routes. It is originally from China and even though oranges have been around for years, it was only during the last century that it became a common household fruit in the United States through the developments in transportation.

Oranges are typically seen as snack food or used in desserts as a complementary ingredient. However, did you know that you can actually do more with them? In fact, you can create whole dishes using oranges as the main ingredient. This means an additional source of Vitamin C for your dishes. So, ready to get started? Here are a few recipes which have oranges as an ingredient:

Orange and Ginger Chicken, You will need: 2 chicken breasts, 1 orange (rind), 1 glass of white wine, 1 garlic clove, fresh ginger, mushrooms and a handful of cashew nuts. First, rub the chicken breasts with a mixture the ginger and orange rind. Next, heat the oil in your frying pan and add the chicken. After it's cooked, place the chicken in a dish. Fry the mushrooms in the pan with some freshly crushed Garlic, some cashew nuts and add the white wine. Pour this mixture over the chicken and bake it for 20 minutes. This dish is best served with pasta or creamed potatoes.

Salmon in Orange Sauce. For this dish, you will need: 4 slices of fresh salmon, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 30g butter, orange juice, salt and pepper, 1 onion,1/4 cup fresh mixed herbs, 2 cups fish bouillon, 1 cup dry white wine, 1 cup cr'me fraiche, 2 tbsp capers, and 8 orange slices for garnish. First, clean your salmon and add the salt and pepper for seasoning. In a frying pan, saute your herbs and onion. After wards, you can add the wine, the bouillon and capers. Subsequently add the orange juice and cr'me fraiche after it heats up. Add your salmon and let it simmer for at least 5 minutes. Serve with the sliced oranges.

Orange Cake. To make orange cake, you would need the ff: 100g butter, the juice of 2 oranges as well as grated peel, 250g flour, 100g grated almonds, 9g baking powder, tsp salt and 2 egg whites (beat till foamy). This is quite easy to make as all you need to do is mix all the ingredients together, adding the eggs last. Take a baking form and fill it with the cake mixture and bake it in an oven which was pre-heated to 37F for at least 45 minutes. You can add warm orange marmalade over the cake for added sweetness.

Now, that we have a few recipes up, let's talk about other uses for the orange fruit. Most people love oranges because of the fact that it is one of the best fruits to eat raw and to get juice from. From salads, marmalade as well as frozen desserts, oranges can be used in a wide variety of ways. In fact, even its peeled skin can be used to create essential oils that are often used in aromatherapy.

In Indian cooking, the orange flower water, which is distilled from its tress blossoms, is actually used in many dishes. In fact, nothing goes to waste. The fruit itself as well as its grated zest can be used to add extra punch for cakes, as well as seafood dishes. Bitter oranges are also used to make jam, jelly, sauce and syrup. Whilst the fruits bitter zest is used to add a tinge of orangey flavor to various alcoholic drinks.

The next time you cook, try adding a bit of orangey flavor to it and see what happens. After all, it's through experimenting that we learn. Add a different flavor and aroma to your dishes and start cooking with oranges today.

About the Author:

Are tired of the same old thing for dinner? My new ebook "Orange Recipes" puts a twist on meals by including oranges as an ingredient. You won't believe the number of easy orange recipes out there that we have compiled a list of our favorites in one easy to report.

How to Cook Chicken

By Arf Ahmed

The ways in which a chicken can be cooked are numerous; in fact, too many to be listed. Some may be approved of and others may not be approved of. Cooking of this bird in its different forms bring out the best of every flavor. The recipes of the cooking of this type of bird are also numerous and in regards to the chicken having a low fat content, preparation for the chicken is easy.

Keep the chicken refrigerated to maintain its temperature in the range of 40C and 600C. It is kept cool because the bacteria in meat replicates faster in high temperatures. Put the chicken in water that has salt in the ratio of 3 tablespoons for four glasses of water. The chicken should remain in the water for about an hour and longer if it happens to be frozen. In this way, the chicken will be tender and juicy and will be able to cook faster.

Close this chicken in different ways to be able to prevent it from drying up. The chicken can be covered by brushing a thick layer of marinade sauce or a thin one of cooking oil. Consequently, a foil bag can be used for covering this chicken so that it may be grilled. To ensure even cooking, pound the breast and thighs of the chicken so that they may be of the same size.

The heat should then be adjusted according to the method of cooking. If one is using the dry heat method, this include the roasting, baking, deep frying, sauting, and grilling, high heat should be used and the cooking should take very little time, e.g. 8-10 minutes grilling chicken breasts. The moist heat methods, steaming, poaching, slow cooking, and baking in parchment, should use low heat and should be cooked for a long period of time, e.g. 15 minutes for poaching chicken breasts.

The chicken should be checked to make sure that it is fully cooked. It is different from steak which can be served medium rare or rare, the chicken should be cooked fully. To make sure that it is done, the thickest part should be pierced to establish that the chicken is hot enough, 73.80C. The chicken should not be overcooked either because it will be dry. Then leave the chicken to rest so as to redistribute the juices. This cooking process should continue for 5 to 10 minutes for it to be done.

About the Author:

If you enjoyed the above article, you may want to read my new article that teaches how to Cook Ribs in the Oven

Keep your Cooking Pans Clean

By Glendalyn Shaburt

A new set of cooking pans is possibly some of the best culinary crafting in the world. Providing a home style taste and an easy way to craft masterpieces in your own home, this type of cooking pans are decidedly versatile, requiring a little time learn how to use.

Cooking pans need to be handled slightly different from most other cooking equipment. Your pans will need some important steps before you cook you first meal. This is called seasoning and it ensures that your pans will last a lifetime.

Straight oiling. Using this method of preparing cooking pans, oil, fat is smothered into the cooking pans and then removed slightly. The cooking pans are then used to create foods that are very greasy the first few times you use them. Food like bacon, sausage and so on is perfect. This should be done at least five to seven times before cooking anything else.

Now that you have fully seasoned your brand new cooking pans, they are ready to cook whatever you mind can imagine. You can use them for any task from frying chicken, to baking corn bread and biscuits.

Now that you have cooked your masterpiece its is time to clean up. You will find that the style for cleaning seasoned cooking pans a bit unusual, Instead of tossing it into the dishwasher or scraping it your, you must use a much more delicate approach, to ensure that you never lose the seasoning.

The recommended method for cleaning your pans is to use a good amount of boiling water, and place this into the pan. Now that you have the pan full of boiling water, empty it and wipe out your pan. And wallah you are finished.

About the Author:

If you liked our tips on cleaning and seasoning Brand New Cooking Pans take a look at the rest of our material at The Cook Master

Waffle Makers Are An Excellent Addition To Any Kitchen

By Walter A Monroe

Some people are afraid to try to use waffle makers. For some reason waffles and waffle makers have gotten a bad rap as being very complicated. This seriously is not the case. In fact, if you do not want to attempt making your own waffle batter at first, you can purchase a commercial mix. There are many of these available, and quite a few of them are very good. Once you have become comfortable with the waffle making process, then you can try making your own batter.

There are many different types of waffle makers available in stores and online. You can find everything from the traditional round waffle maker to the Belgian waffle maker. There are waffle makers which are for small waffles or thick Belgian waffles. You can even find them with special shapes. Imagine surprising the kids with "Mickey Mouse" shaped waffles.

The traditional round waffle makers seems to be the ones most frequently purchased. This type of waffle iron is generally quite basic and simple to use. Most will include red and green indicator lights to let you know when the iron is hot enough, and when the waffles are ready. Even the top brands of this type of waffle maker are usually inexpensive enough for just about anyone.

There is nothing quite like a properly baked Belgian waffle. These are so crispy outside, and soft in the middle. An absolutely fantastic culinary delight at breakfast, lunch, dinner or even dessert. In order to make homemade Belgian waffles, you will need to use a Belgian waffle maker. This machine will have a thicker space for the batter, and deeper grooves. There are a lot of different Belgian waffle makers available depending on your preference and budget.

Some people prefer to have a machine that does more than make waffles. You will find waffle makers that are capable of baking waffles, grilling Panini, and even grilling meat. These come with removable grilling plates which can be switched for the desired cooking purpose.

The professional waffle maker allows the user to make the crispest, deep pocket waffles which are still soft in the middle. These flip waffle makers allow the waffle to be flipped half way through the baking process in order to achieve even baking on both sides. Most include a drip tray to catch any spilled batter. Ready indicator lights or sounds will tell you when the waffle is finished. This removes any guess work or timing. You should certainly expect to have control over the temperature with a professional waffle maker.

Waffles are delicious, no matter what you choose for a topping. The addition of a waffle maker is a great idea for any cook who wants to try something new, and loves waffles.

About the Author:

For a list of the best villaware waffle makers on the market today click through to the author's blog on belgian waffle makers.

Sensible Dining In A Sensible Life Experience

By John Jones

Nowadays, people learn on how to be choosy on what they eat. Especially if your conscious if the food that your eating has less sugar or maybe less fat. If it?s low on carbohydrates or not or how was it prepared? Baked or fried. But the question to ask is, is this a healthy food for me?

Everyone wants to eat healthy foods as much as they want; however they can?t just buy this kind of foods on the streets while they?re running late for work. In fact, if in a hurry, they would just usually grab a burger then they?re set to work. If you wanted some fresh and healthy food, it wouldn?t be of the same price as the usual burgers or hotdogs. And most of the time it has to be ordered in a fine dine restaurant and not just in any fast food chains.

For you to be able to supply your body with healthy foods, you should be able to put some of your time preparing for a quality meal, after all, you will be the one to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

This is why cooking good foods is important. And for you to make that you must first consider what a healthy food should be.

Cooked foods are still healthy food, its how you cook them that matters. For example, steamed fish is much healthier than fried fish. Or may be you are the type of person who loves to eat French fries with a can of soda, so why not get some potatoes, bake them at home and have some fresh fruit juice. By doing so, you saved your self from too much oil intake.

Cooking is for everyone, but not everyone can cook, as what most of us say. But actually most of the people who believe this are those who hate cooking. So they just gave up right away and didn?t bother trying.

If you notice, people nowadays are starting to be aware of their well being, its true that doing exercise may help you stay fit and healthy but most especially it?s the food that you eat. I know some people who invest on expensive cook wares because they believe that it?s healthier to cook their foods using those compared to ordinary cook wares. Example would be using non-stick frying pans or those that doesn?t need oil when cooking.

Taking healthy foods will give you a healthy life indeed. Everyone must always be aware of the food we intake for it can make you feel good or make you sick. And who would have wanted to spend their savings on hospital bills and medications, certainly no one. So to enjoy life to its fullest, be wise on what you eat and share the knowledge of keeping yourself healthy to your loved ones.

About the Author:

When looking for more information about cooking using a microwaves, you should read a microwaves. You might be be shocked just how handy they can be.

Pointers For Purchasing a Premium Barbecue Grill

By Mikayla Kylie

We all love that barbecue flavor and we love to entertain, especially in the summertime, with barbecued foods. After all, while durability is my second choice for what to look for, I could not make it the first because why would want a grill that can't cook to last forever? Few realize that one of the key factors in determining quality is to get the grill temperature as hot as possible. Typical charcoal grills rarely get over 700 degrees because most are simply too large. The difference is they are small dome shaped grills.

Grill enthusiasts, however, can sometimes overlook a simple factor that's crucial to a great barbecue - having the right tools and accessories. If you're just starting out, looking to upgrade your current tools or are searching for a great gift idea, you may want to consider purchasing a barbecue grill tool set. Most common tool materials include stainless steel and oak. Accessories that will keep the cook safe and stylish include aprons, mitts and gloves. What else is so special about it? Nothing, it's a grill like any other.

A gas grill can serve a family or group of 4 people. The Omega 200 gas BBQ grill has a push-button ignition. It comes with two foldable side tables and gas bottle holder and is accessorized with an all-weather cover. The Excel 200 gas BBQ grill is made with a porcelain coated cooking grill. It also includes a side burner and comes in silver or grey color. It also comes with stainless steel burners and a cool touch wooden hood handle.

One must also know the aspect of tracking down how proficient you are when it comes to keeping the grill in good condition and how much time you want to spend in maintaining the grill. It might be a little of a careful decision of paying more to have the best quality of gas barbecue grill. This is the most important consideration as the grease may be the most damaging ingredient for your grill. BBQ Gloves are flame-retardant and protect your hands when working with the hot grill and coals.

The longer your grill goes without cleaning, the harder it will be to clean when you finally get around to it, and not cleaning your grill can lead to rust, which will decrease the lifespan of your grill. The food will pick up burnt chunks of whatever you grilled previously. If left for too long, this buildup will become more difficult to clean, and may cause the grill to rust. It wouldn't hurt to run the brush over the grill racks the next time you turn the grill on. Rinse all of the soap and residue off of the racks before returning them to the grill.

About the Author:

To find out more about how to find the best bbq grills, go to http://BBQGriller.com to discover much more about barbecue grills and cooking tips of all kinds.

How Eggs are Classed and Graded

By Amy Nutt

The grading of eggs is done with a series of tests where the eggs are examined for various qualities such as size and weight. There are three grades of eggs, which are Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C, in Canada. The grades in the US differ slightly by name only, as Grade A, Grade AA and Grade B. Grade A eggs are sold to consumers but the other Grades are for commercial uses.

In order to grade the eggs, they are first washed to make sure they are spotless then they are sent to be candled. Candling, which is usually performed by hand, examines the contents of the egg. This is done by passing the eggs past a light which allows the shell to be viewed internally. The conditions of the shell, the white, and the yolk, are checked for cracks and air pockets. In modern egg operations, the eggs are checked for cracks with the use of sonic sound. Tiny probes tap the egg a total of 16 times to accurately detect any blemishes in the shell. If a crack is found, a thud will indicate the egg is below standard and will be removed. An egg that is perfect will have the machine produce a high pitched sound. The candling or scanning allows the technician to see the size of the air pocket, cracks in the shell, and the centering of the yolk. This is what will later divide the eggs into different grades.

Once it has been determined the egg is worthy of carrying on, it then goes to be graded and weighed. The weight is done by the carton, not the individual egg, and computer controlled sensors weigh each egg over 60 times in less than one second. There is only a 3 ounce difference per one dozen eggs of a different size so the accuracy of the weight of each carton is important.

Grade A: The egg is found in perfect condition. The shell is not cracked at all, is fully clean, and the yolk is round and centered in a firm white with a minimal air pocket. These eggs will be processed for shipping to retail stores for consumers to buy.

Grade B: This egg also has an un-cracked shell but may have a rough texture. The white will be watery/thin and the yolk somewhat flat. These eggs are saved for commercial uses such as selling to bakeries or for processing into other foods like making mayonnaise or noodles.

Grade C: Eggs with this grade likely have a cracked shell, loose yolk, and very thin white. This will only be sold to commercial processors as use as an additive for other products.

Sometimes during the cleaning and other processes, eggs will get broken or punctured. These will be added to the Grade C eggs to be used in processed foods. The eggs are all broken by special machines at a "breaking station," where they are then pasteurized. The eggs are pasteurized by heating the eggs liquid form to a very high temperature in order to kill any harmful bacteria and micro-organisms. Once the pasteurization process has been completed, further processing of the egg is done and then packaged in liquid, frozen or dried/powdered form for sale. Preservatives or flavorings, and food coloring may be added before selling to companies who will use the processed eggs for production of food or condiments as well as such things as shampoos, pet food, and in adhesives.

Technology has played a significant role in the production of eggs. Now, all eggs are able to be used in a variety of food areas, while the best eggs are provided directly to the consumer.

About the Author:

Egg Farmers of Ontario looks to provide customers with high quality eggs at a fair price. Visit us for lots of healthy recipes, and lots of great breakfasts ideas!

Get Rid of Fat from Soup

By Michael Swengel

We all love great soup - but no one needs extra fat and calories. Still many of our favorites are full of fat and extra gunk that we dont need. Fortunately, this is easily remedied without sacrificing flavor.

If you have time, prepare your soup about a day prior to serving it. Place the soup in the refrigerator overnight. By cooling the soup, you will cause the fat to rise to the surface and harden. Then, you will be able to easily remove the fat off the top and throw it away. If you do this, you will also notice that the flavor of the soup will improve in a night because it has had a while to be absorbed.

If you only have a few hours, consider putting the soup in the freezer to chill it quickly. This will work in a similar manner to step 1, but not quite as effectively. Still, it will cause the fat to harden and rise to the top of the soup - allowing you to remove it effectively.

With a serving spoon, carefully and gently stir the soup in a circular motion from the middle to the edges scraping up the fat that has collected along the edges of the bowl.

Wrap a few ice cubes in paper towels and gently run them over the top of the soup. This will quickly chill some of the fat in the soup causing it to harden and come to the top (as in steps 1 and 2.) You will then be able to see and remove the fat easily.

You could also try using smoked turkey in lieu of ham or sausage for the soup. Turkey has much less fat than ham or sausage and can be used to get similar flavors. You could also substitute pork or bacon with olive oil. Yes, you wont get quite the same taste, but putting in a little smoked turkey can work wonders.

About the Author:

Michael Swengel is a freelance author who enjoys writing on a wide range of topics including faith, health, life, and technology. Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.

Coconut for Amazing Internal and External Health

By Gloria Thornton

The coconut is a beautiful gift to the peoples of the world. The Sanskrit language calls the coconut palm 'kalpa vriksah,' meaning that it is a plant which gives everything one needs to survive. The coconut is an old tree and a distant relative of grasses, and its meat, water and oil have been used for nutrition and health by many cultures. In India in particular, the coconut has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, a system which has inspired aromatherapists, nutritionists and naturopaths the world over.

Taking approximately nine months to filter each liter of water in its shell, the coconut makes an amazing natural water filter. The water is drawn up through micro-fibers which purify it before it ends in the actual nut of the coconut. This clear life-giving coconut water isone of the highest sources of electrolytes found in all of nature. Coconut water is a wonderful re-hydrator and makes an excellent sports drink. When we consume a drink consisting of 55% fresh coconut water and 45% fresh green-leaf juice, or blue-green algaes, we give ourselves an instantaneous infusion of life energy.

In the inquiry on healthy versus unhealthy fats, coconut oil tips the scales in terms of its nutritional value. While it is a saturated fat, not all saturated fats are harmful for us. Coconut oil is cholesterol-free and does not change into a trans-fat, which means it can be used at high heat. It has also been shown that coconut oil is more powerful than olive oil in controlling cholesterol. Also, because it is a medium-chain fatty acid, it is easier for the body to digest, meaning the fat can be used more readily as fuel.

Coconut oil is one of nature's most versatile and health-enhancing fats. Studies show that coconut oil supports the health of the thyroid gland, which regulates thenecessary anti-aging steroids progesterone, DHEA and pregnenolone. These steroids are required to help prevent heart disease, senility, obesity, cancer and other degenerative diseases associated with aging. Coconut oil also contains capryllic acid as well as lauric acid, both of which are anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-microbial. It has long been known that caprilyc acid is the most potent yeast-fighting substance, making it an excellent choice for those working with releasing candida and other inner ecology imbalances. Transitioning to coconut oil as one's fat source also helps to normalize blood sugar levels while increasing energy, building a healthy immune and nervous system and reducing the overall stress on one's body. It is necessary to note that a 'therapeutic dose' of coconut oil consists of daily doses of two to three (or more) tablespoons for an adult.

Cooking with coconut oil is a delightful way to introduce this supplement into your life. Try using it instead of margarine, butter or other vegetable oils. Also, consider using fresh coconuts that are not too old (i.e., forgo the coconut shavings and buy a whole coconut instead).The flesh is primarily fat, and it can be chopped and eaten with fruit for a delectable treat. Coconut oil is also great as an oil for veggies, tossed into your morning smoothie or slathered on bread with spices or preserves. If you're looking for a way to enhance oats or rice, coconut oil adds a special note to a normally humble dish.

Repairing and nourishing to the skin, coconut oil has been used for thousands of years as a skin moisturizer because it is ideal for all skins types, including dry, rough and wrinkled skin. Aromatherapy uses two types of coconut oil: fractionated and virgin. Virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature and blends well with essential oils for a thick, nourishing body oil, which does not leave a greasy feel. The same oil that is used in cooking can be used in body care products. Fractionated coconut is a liquid oil that is made when the coconut molecule is cut to a smaller size. This process does not deplete the oil's healthy qualities, but instead allows us to use coconut oil in a liquid state - an excellent quality in massage applications. Also, fractionated coconut absorbs quickly, does not have a coconut odor and has an extremely long shelf life, all pluses in many situations. Coconut is also blended with other carrier oils, such as jojoba, to create a luscious cream base. Creating your own body care items with coconut oil and essential oils is a lovely, and easy, way to enhance your personal health.

One more thing about the fabulous coconut: this oil is great for use in sexual play. Both the taste and smell of coconut add to the delights of intercourse. A great way to experience coconut is by mixing it with vanilla and cacao oils. Smooth this concoction over your lover's skin and enjoy.

Coconut is truly an ideal oil to experiment with. Its applications extend from the dinner table to the massage table, and when used with essential oils, its natural splendor is completely enhanced. Try it in its virgin or fractionated state and bring more of coconut's life-enhancing gifts into your world.

About the Author:

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using lavender and other pure essential oil varieties from around the world.

Understanding Differnt Types of Cooking Pans

By Galendalyn Rosenbaum

Making sure that your cooking pans are cured and well seasoned will help ensure that your cooking is faster, easier, and tastes better. The most frustrating thing is to cook a completely delicious meal only to have it stick to the bottom of the pan. A good saying to keep in mind is; Hot Pan - Cold Oil.

This means that you should never put the oil into a cold pan before heating it up. Heating the cooking pan before adding the oil, then immediately putting in the food, will ensure youll have significantly less sticking. Seasoning the pan before it first use, will ensure you superior results.

Stainless Steel Cooking Pans " Unfortunately stainless steel cannot be seasoned because of the hardness of the metal. Honestly I cannot think of any restaurants that use stainless steel cooking pans. Although they are excellent for storing your food since the food will not taste like the metal, they are truly horrible for cooking. I would advise you to simply avoid them completely.

Aluminum " Make sure that first you wash the cooking pan with soap and water using a sponge or cloth. Rinse and dry your cooking pan thoroughly. Heat up the cooking pan until its hot to the touch then add two ounces of oil to the cooking pan. Swirl the cooking pan so that the oil coats every place on the cooking pan. Let the cooking pan cool off. Then remove the oil and repeat the process once more. After this point, you should never use soap to clean it again. When you need to wash it, use warm water and a dry paper towel. If you find that some food does stick that is fine, it will ad some extra flavor to your next dish.

Adding this extra effort to season your new cooking pans, will offer you much more amazing cooking results, while also increasing the life of your pans. I recommend spending that little extra to purchase quality pans and then make sure that you take care of them. In the long term you will be much more pleased with your investment.

About the Author:

If you thought this article was great be sure to check out the rest of our resources on Cooking Pans you can talk with and ask questions from our chefs at The Cook Master

The Traditional Use Of Dairy Produce: Part 4 - Eggs (cont.).

By Owen Jones

Basic Preparation Of Foods: Dairy Produce.

Eggs: Part II

Poaching: boil 1.5 inches (40mm) water in a frying pan; add 5 g of salt and 5ml of vinegar. Crack an egg into a cup, inspect and pour into boiling water. Reduce the heat. Fold the white around the unbroken yolk with a spoon and continue to simmer for another 3-4 mins. Lift out with a fish slice, drain and serve on hot buttered toast.

Scrambling: beat the eggs well; add salt, pepper to taste and a dash of milk. Melt enough butter to cover the bottom of a small pan. Fry the eggs slowly, stirring continuously. Cook in a basin floating in boiling water, if preferred. Serve when almost completely set, after about 5 mins.

Frying: Melt enough fat to easily cover the base of the pan. Tip egg in gently and gather white around the yolk. When the white has set, baste the yolk to taste and remove whole with a fish slice.

Baked: lightly grease a fireproof dish and slide the eggs gently into it. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and butter to taste. Bake in a medium oven and serve in the same bowl after the whites have set.

Omelette: buy a pan and keep it only for omelettes! The base should be smooth and clean. Allow two eggs per person; beat lightly and add salt and pepper to taste. Heat enough butter to cover the base of the pan. When the fat is hot, pour in the eggs; as it sets, raise the handle up and draw set mixture up, allowing the liquid egg to run down onto the hot pan. When all is set, tilt the pan forward and roll the omelette over. Serve immediately on a hot plate. It can be filled with almost anything, before being rolled over.

Pouring Custard: lightly beat 2-3 eggs for every pint of milk. Heat the milk and gradually add to the eggs; add sugar and flavouring to suit your taste; cook in a double pan or jug and hot water until the required consistency has been achieved. If it is not to be served up immediately, pour a thin layer of water onto it's surface to prevent a skin forming on top.

Baked Custard: start as above but then transfer the custard into a lightly greased shallow dish; sprinkle sparsely with nutmeg and place the dish in water to halfway up its sides. Cook at 350 F for 35-45 minutes; you can test its solidity by inserting a knife, which should be clean on removal.

Steamed Custard: as baked custard, but cook in a steamer or pan of boiling water. The cooking time is about the same too.

Custard Tarts: pour pouring custard into unbaked pastry cases and bake in the oven for 40-50 mins. A little jam can be placed in the bottom of the case first, if desired.

About the Author:

For scrumptious gourmet Traditional Welsh Recipes, go along to our website at http://welsh-recipes.the-real-way.com/ You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.

9 Energy Foods for Athletes

By Curtis Ludlow

Many women don't focus enough on getting the right types of food into their diets.

Fresh fish, fruit, and green vegetables are the preferred food sources since these foods aid in providing the vitamin requirements of the body.

Here are the top 10 foods and nutrients that women should be consuming on a regular basis.

Cold Water Fish

A problem with some fish is that it is farm raised. Many of these farm raised fish are given hormones that accelerate the rate of it's development and growth. Be sure to eat only wild fish - not farm raised. Wild salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that are very important for women in particular.

Live Culture Yogurt

Due to pregnancy and other issues, the level of calcium can become low in a woman's body. Therefore, yogurt can be a great source of calcium since it also has friendly bacteria that can be digested easily.

Greens

Vegetables like broccoli, collard and kale are great store houses of a wide variety of nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamin B complex. Apart from these, they also contain a high amount of antioxidants as well.

H20

Water is in the list of nutrients since it's vital for the proper processing of fats and other nutrients. It is also natural and one of the most well known appetite suppressants. Hence, this is one drink you need to get drunk on and even your fitness boot camp trainer will approve of your addiction!

Edame

Soy is an excellent way to enhance your good cholesterol or HDL levels. Soy beans and soy products can be eaten in the natural form as Edame or as Tofu. Other options are also available.

Steak

Red Meat is a great source of iron, an essential nutrient for women who want to lose weight, get in shape and tone their muscles.

Flax

Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, fibre and antioxidants, flax seeds are a great source of an abundance of nutrients. Flax seeds are beneficial to prevent problems related with arthritis and heart problems.

Carrots

It's very important to get enough beta carotene in your diet. Foods like carrots and sweet potato will give your more than enough.

Black and White Beans

Beans are rich in soluble fiber, protein and they also attract bile. This is good because it removes it from your system before the cholesterol inside of it can do damage.

After you incorporate these amazing super foods into your diet you'll notice a significant jump in your overall performance level. Your energy will be sustain itself all day long.

About the Author:

For more great fitness, weight loss and nutrition information be sure to check out the excellent free articles from Boot Camp Fullerton and Curtis Joel Ludlow.

Cooking Games- Cooking Master Boy

By Vlad Stivenson

You might not have heard of it, but 10 years ago, there was a show called Cooking Master Boy. The show took place in a fictional version of China, during an also fictional Era of the Cooking Wars, which is placed during the Quing dynasty. In this China, chefs, not warriors or priests, are the epitome of bravery, wisdom and skill, and they compete between each other to see who the best chef in China is. The show revolves about Mao, a 13 year old boy that has a gift for cooking and travels around China after his mothers death in order to learn more cooking techniques and prove to everyone that he is indeed Chinas greatest cooking master.

The style reminds me of programs and events, such as Dragon Balls martial arts tournament. Cooking Master Boy also features cooking tournaments, where they use techniques and cooking utensils that have names that sound like anime magical moves. For example, the Devil Cow Knife, or the Coiled Dragon Pot. Another funny thing about the show is that the main characters enemy is a secretive mafia organization of chefs called the Underground Cooking Society.

One interesting thing about the show, is that all recipes and dishes are pretty normal and can be prepared in real life by a real chef. Its the processes and reactions of the people who eat the dishes that are exaggerated to give the sense of super ability to the chefs. For example, a character may throw a potato up, use his or her super speed to slice the potato in mid-air, and then catch the sliced potato with a plate, using his or her other hand.

The person eating the prepared potato might like it so much that he or she will feel as if he or she were transported to a paradise, complete with musicians and fairies surrounding him or her. Yet, all he or she ate was a potato prepared in some way.

Of course, not all of us have the skill it takes to be a master chef, like Mao. In fact I can barely do anything useful in the kitchen. My friends and family have a joke about this. They say Im so bad at cooking that Im capable of burning water when I try to warm it up. Its a bit of a shame, because I really like watching cooking and I would like to be better at it. I tell myself its a matter of practice, and that someday Ill be able to prepare dinner for everyone.

So, what do I do instead? I play cooking games online. Yes, cooking games that I find on several sites. Theyre designed for children, but I can spend hours playing them. In fact, playing some of them that have anime type characters was what got me thinking about Chinas Cooking Master Boy. I may be a total dork in the kitchen, but with my computer, I can be a great cooking chef, just like the great Mao from China.

About the Author:

Vlad Stivenson has created a well-known cooking game

Cooking Contest Or Online Cooking Game?

By Vlad Stivenson

Have you ever entered an argument that seems to have no end? This seems to be part of nature, as there have been questions that look like they can never be answered satisfactorily to two or more parties. In the famous musical Fiddler on the Roof, the village Anatefka is pictured as a place where everyone lives in peace and harmony, except for an ongoing conflict that will never finish. One of the villagers claims that he bought a horse from another one but was given a mule. The seller of course claims that he indeed delivered a horse. Similarly, in The Lord of the Rings books, by Tolkien, elves and dwarves both claim to be the best of races. This conflict seems even more eternal due to the extremely long lifespan of those races.

Well, I had such a question that repeated itself in my head endless times. Looking back at those times, I realize it was a futile and unimportant question. But I was young and inexperienced and I used to make a big deal of things that werent worth it. That particular issue was my belief that men were better chefs than women. Im not sure how I got that idea, I guess its just the natural rivalry that arises between teens of opposite genders. Maybe it was my male pride I guess if that was my belief, I could have stayed with it and be happy about it. But noooooooooooo, for some reason I felt I had to expose my idea to someone and prove that I was right.

Well, I must not have been very intelligent either, because I finally told one of my female friends. I tried to be casual about it, but I ended up forcing the issue for apparently no reason at all. She wasnt pleased at all, or course. She must have thought I was a chauvinistic pig, but instead of putting me in my place, as she should have, she took a defiant and challenging position (I guess youth foolishness runs on both boys and girls). We both gave arguments in favor of our position, and frankly some of them didnt have anything to do with mens or womens ability to cook. Unable to convince me, she finally challenged me to a contest.

The idea of the contest was very simple, we would go to my place, and each of us would select 5 cooking games online. Then wed both play each of the 10 games and try to beat the other. Of course, we had to select games that included some way of measuring our performance, such as timers and points. The person who won more games would win. Of course I accepted immediately as I had played a few and I thought it would be an easy contest for me. Well, it didnt turn to be as easy, and although I lost, I went down with a good fight (6-4 and I always blamed the dirty mousepad).

Of course, a cooking game isnt the same thing as real life cooking, so the contest only proved that she was better at those games, not that women were better chefs. Nowadays, I couldnt care less. When I go to a restaurant, Im interested in knowing if the chef is good, not whether its a man or a woman.

About the Author:

Vlad Stivenson, author of cooking games for girls

Cooking Pans - How To Pick the Peftect Pan

By Tiffany Slater

Stainless steel cooking pans revolutionized the cooking world, replacing cooper, aluminum, and iron materials, as the primary source of pots and pans. These older materials had either one of two drawbacks, they made the cookware very expensive, or very heavy.

As a result bakeware became much more affordable as well as lighter. These stainless steel pots and pans are not the best conductors of heat, thus most stainless steel cooking pans are lined with aluminum or copper, to increase their heat conductivity.

Tri-Ply Cooking Pans- Tri-Ply is most certainly increasingly popular, and is one of the most commonly used types of cookware. This type of cooking pan includes two layers composed of stainless steel on the outside with an inner later of aluminum, which acts as the heat conductor.

The best quality Tri-Ply cookware is referred to as 18/10. However they also make 18/0 and 18/8 as well. The later two are of significantly reduced quality compared to 18/10. Since the quality of 18/10 is significantly higher that that of most cookware is also comes with a much higher price tag. 18/10 can and will last a lifetime.

Another method of constructing tri-ply, is made using three different materials; stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. This type of construction places a layer of copper on the bottom underside of the pan, copper is a great heat conductor and well as providing your stove with a layer of insulation. Aluminum is placed in the middle layer with an outer layer of stainless steel to complete construction.

Waterless cooking pans are another notable type of cookware. These cooking pans are crafted using iron on the interior later, this helps to conduct heat, and it provides the insulating properties needed, while keeping you food safe from hazardous chemicals.

When you decide its time to purchase a new set of cooking pots and pans for your kitchen, make sure you take the time to fully research the product you are planning on buying. The manufacturer itself may truly be quite popular but knowing what materials are used in the creation of these products is definitely just as important as finding an excellent quality name brand to back them.

Waterless cookware is rapidly taking a dominate place over the cooking pans industry. With its unique combination of layers. Replace those old, Teflon pots and pans and serve healthier and safer foods for your family today.

About the Author:

Before buying a new set of Cooking Pots and Pans please take a look at Tiffany guide to Cooking Pots and Pans at her Cook Master website.

Wooden Range Hoods in the Kitchen

By Terry Howarth

Your kitchen can take on a very appealing style from the kind of range hood cover you utilise. When thinking of the decoration of a kitchen, you must bear in mind that the kind of hood you use will enhance the look of your kitchen and generate pleasure and especially safety to the person using the kitchen. Modern kitchens are often very classy and the kind of hood you decide to install will largely be dependent upon the style of your kitchen and the overall kind of look you wish to promote. Wood is gradually becoming increasingly popular as a choice of material for range hoods, because of their classy, quality and timeless appeal.

Since the kind of range extraction hood you put in will add to the overall design of the kitchen, it is highly recommended you do some window browsing in some of the kitchen and furniture appliance shops in your area to acquire the good design ideas.

To get the best out of your browsing trip and purchasing a wood range hood, it is worthwhile considering the following points:

The type of wood: The long term durability of the kitchen hood will be determined by the type of wood. The more durable the wood is, the more expensive it will be. In the longer term, you will often find that the better kitchen range hoods and more expensive woods will be more cost effective.

The range hood size: Wooden hoods come in a variety of different dimensions. They often come in standard dimension, which corresponds to a standard hob size and large and small. You need to take into account the overalll size of your kitchen in order for the hood to operate efficiently. To extract the cooking gases from the whole of the cooking range it is important to achieve the correct overlap.

Take into account the type of finish: As you want to get the best look, you have to consider the type of finishing to achieve that desired look in your kitchen. The color of your kitchen and the kind of atmosphere and image you wish to portray will decide the appropriate finish.

Select the best custom profile: The custom profile will definitely add to the overall picture of the kitchen range hoods. You should be sure whether you wish the addition of beads within the trim, and additional colorful paraphernalia, and to how much.

A lot of people often take the easy route and purchase the same hood to that found in a friend's or neighbor's kitchen. While this approach may be satisfactory, going to home design shows can give you ideas of the best hoods on the market. Also utilising the service of a professional interior designer can aid you in your choice of hood.

About the Author:

Terry likes to write articles about range hoods and how the kitchen range hood can enhance your kitchen.